Study Finds How Cholesterol Drug Simvastatin Improves RA Inflammation

Aarhus University researchers have discovered how simvastatin, a drug typically prescribed to reduce cholesterol, also leads to significant benefits in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. This discovery opens up new opportunities to treat these type of diseases.

Chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by a mistargeted attack of our immune system against our own tissues. This error, for which in most cases the causes remain unknown, leads to a chronic state of inflammation that severely damages cells and tissues.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis the exacerbated self-directed immune system response primarily destroys the joints, while in multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes it affects the central nervous system, kidneys, and eyes, respectively.

Simvastatin has been previously shown to reduce the level of inflammation in these conditions, although the effect is often observed only when the drug is administered at high concentrations. Now, researchers have found the mechanism behind simvastatin’s reduced inflammation effect.

“Simvastatin — and statins in general — are not designed to have this effect. We have now identified a new mechanism that forms the basis for the effect, and this opens up new opportunities for developing a better substance to combat these inflammatory diseases. It’s an interesting line to pursue because a great many people can take statins without significant side effects,” Thomas Vorup-Jensen, professor at the Department of Biomedicine at Denmark’s Aarhus University and the study’s lead author, said in a press release.

Researchers discovered that simvastatin acts as a “plug” in the proteins that keep the immune cells responsible for the immune attack within the zones of inflammation. By retaining these immune cells in the inflamed areas, they are no longer allowed to travel and contribute to inflammation in other areas. This in turn decreases inflammation.

“We initially observed this mechanism in the laboratory. Of course, we now need to establish whether it works in the same way in vivo, but we think it’s likely,” Vorup-Jensen said.

Disclaimer:

Rheumatoid Arthritis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.